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America's Farmers Mom of the Year Finalists Announced

Voting will continue until May 26, 2011.

May 19, 2011

The five regional winners in Monsanto's America's Farmers Mom of the Year program have been announced. Each regional winner has won a $5,000 cash prize from Monsanto and now competes for the national title. The final selection is being done on-line by the public. Votes can be cast at www.AmericasFarmers.com through May 26.

The American Agri-Women, a national coalition of women's farm, ranch and agribusiness organizations, partnered with Monsanto and evaluated nominations on how each farm mom embodies the farm family way of life. Each was judged on her contributions to her farm, family, community and the agricultural industry. The regional winners are: Bette Lu Lerwick of Albin, Wyo.; Kerri Vander Poel of Bakersfield, Calif.; April Hemmes of Hampton, Iowa; Jennie Schmidt of Sudlersville, Md.; and Teresa Chambers of Macon, Ga.

Chris Chavis, Monsanto's National Brands Lead and America's Farmers Mom of the Year spokesperson, says the nominations illustrate that no matter where or what they farm, farm moms share a passion for agriculture, a love for the family farm lifestyle and a dedication to preserving the land for the farmers of tomorrow.

A short essay about each regional winner is displayed at www.americasfarmers.com. Based on the essay, score each in four following categories:

• One-fourth: What makes her special to her family and what attributes are especially appreciated above and beyond the responsibilities that mothers typically perform;
• One-fourth: Essay's detail of how the entrant plays an important role in the success of the family farm;
• One-fourth: How the mom contributes to her community through involvement in agriculture organizations or support for other community activities.
• One-fourth: How the mom shares her passion for agriculture with others and helps educate consumers about agriculture.